The Godfather of local comedy, G. David Howard, stars Saturday; TB Times recommends

I’m so excited to have G. David Howard headlining our Saturday night comedy show. It’s the first time at the Side Door for this local and national legend who owns the title: “Funniest Man Alive.”

The show, which is selling fast, got a big thumbs up from the Tampa Bay Times today. You can read the entire article by following this link to the Times, or enjoy this excerpt below.

And if you come Saturday night, bring a handkerchief or some Kleenex – G. David is known for making his audiences laugh so hard they cry. The other comics on the bill are our host and organizer, Ward Smith, Juanita Lolita and Bill “Bull” Chase. All are pros with great credentials from TV and the comedy circuit.

Here’s the Times piece which includes a nice shout-out to Palladium Paul:

The Godfather: G. David Howard

The Tampa Bay area has a vibrant comedy scene. But no matter how big it gets, no one will ever threaten the position occupied by G. David Howard, at lest for as long as he is performing, which is over 40 years and counting. The man who once told jokes for 16 hours straight, setting a Guiness world record, headlines a Ward Smith and Friends Comedy event.

“He’s our comedy godfather,” local comic, actor and director Smith said of Howard. “When I was starting out 30-odd years ago, we’d go see his long shows and he would let us do guest sets while he took a break. We’re lucky to get him.”

Smith has been hosting comedy events the last couple of years at the Palladium, thanks to the support of executive director Paul Wilborn.

“The crowds are always fantastic,” Smith said. “For the performers, it’s always great to get a break from the club environment and work a first-class room like the (Palladium’s) Side Door.”